On Friday April 10th the NJSIAA released an update which covers a true end of season date. If it is announced that New Jersey high school sports are to return this spring they need to conclude by June 30th. The NJSIAA has worked on multiple scheduling models ranging from mid-may to the end of June.
This comes a day after the PIAA officially shut down their spring sports after it was announced by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf that schools would not return this academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a separate memo to member schools, also shown in full below, the NJSIAA gave a more detailed breakdown.
"If athletics are permitted to resume prior to May 25, the NJSIAA will run modified Sectional tournaments in late June. Additionally, schools may continue interscholastic competition up until June 30, outside of participation in Sectional tournaments. The NJSIAA understands that some sports may be limited by venue availability and public health guidelines and orders."
"If athletics are permitted to resume after Memorial Day, May 25, the NJSIAA will not run any Sectional tournaments. The Leagues & Conferences may locally host interscholastic competition and schools may participate in interscholastic competition up until June 30."
This update states the possibility of Sectional meets or regular season meets. Meaning we could be looking at a focus on local championships. There is also a six day mandatory practice period and one rest day should sports return to consider.
Read the full official April 10th update below as well as the memo to member schools.
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NJSIAA Updated Media Statement - Spring Sports (4/10/2020)
"The return-to-school date and related public health guidelines will continue to determine the viability of a spring sports season. As noted, NJSIAA is committed to doing whatever is possible to provide New Jersey's student-athletes with some type of spring season.
"Along with our leagues and conferences, NJSIAA has determined and communicated with member schools that if competitive events are possible, they will conclude no later than June 30. Various models have been established based on potential return dates that range from mid-May to the end of that month, and leagues and conferences will be given substantial scheduling flexibility.
"Depending on the eventual date of return, a modified tournament may be offered, subject to availability of venues and ability to comply with any health-related restrictions that may still be in effect. At this stage, based on the return date, post-season play could range from a sectional tournament to only regular season play without a post-season.
"All sports, except golf, would be subject to a six-day, mandatory practice period.
"NJSIAA will continue holding teleconferences and virtual meetings with leaders of our various leagues and conferences to monitor the situation and assess options."
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NJSIAA Memo to Member Schools - (4/10/2020)
This week, the NJSIAA hosted a remote meeting with its League & Conference officers to discuss potential modifications to the spring sports season if, and when, a return to athletics is permitted. The NJSIAA continues to monitor the communications from both the Governor's Office and public health officials, and is dedicated to providing its student-athletes with a spring season within the bounds of what is safe and practical for its member schools.
As a result of the conversations with its League & Conference officers, keeping in mind the potential return-to-school date, the NJSIAA will make the following modifications to the spring sports season:
- The spring sports season will be extended to June 30, but it will not extend beyond that.
- Prior to the resumption of interscholastic competition, student-athletes in all sports, with the exception of golf, will be required to have six days of practice and one day of rest. After the first three days of practice, student-athletes may participate in scrimmages that will count toward the six days of practice.
- If athletics are permitted to resume prior to May 25, the NJSIAA will run modified Sectional tournaments in late June. Additionally, schools may continue interscholastic competition up until June 30, outside of participation in Sectional tournaments. The NJSIAA understands that some sports may be limited by venue availability and public health guidelines and orders.
- If athletics are permitted to resume after Memorial Day, May 25, the NJSIAA will not run any Sectional tournaments. The Leagues & Conferences may locally host interscholastic competition and schools may participate in interscholastic competition up until June 30.
Lastly, the NJSIAA reminds its member schools and student-athletes of the mandatory, no in-person contact restrictions that are in place, and that these restrictions apply to all sports, regardless of season. The NJSIAA will continue to consult with the leaders of its Leagues & Conferences to assess all options, with its eye on conducting a safe and productive spring sports season. Further guidance and updates will be provided as information from the Governor's Office and public health officials becomes available.